Birthday Earrings

My husband picked out these beautiful kate spade earrings for my birthday.  I couldn't be more excited about them.  He also got the matching bracelet, but I'll wear it another time when I'm not wearing the matching earrings.

Of the full-body shots taken the only decent one is the one below our babysitter took which included my husband.

I wish I had checked that my skirt was pulled down properly prior to taking photos.

I wish I had a better close-up shot to show the earrings.  Next time.

Birthday Earrings Outfit:

Vince Camuto Three-Quarter-Sleeve Peasant Blouse, Cobalt Blue - Macy's
Vince Camuto Dot Print Colorblock Pencil Skirt, Rich Black - Nordstrom Rack
Tarnish 'Lizard Chain' Clutch, Silver/ Gunmetal - nordstrom.com
Vince Camuto 'Basics' Cuff, Matte Black - Nordstrom
Cole Haan Basic Opaque Tights, black - colehaan.com
Cole Haan 'Markesa Air Boot 85', black - colehaan.com
kate spade 'on the town' drop mixed stone drop earrings, navy/clear/gold- Nordstrom

Spring Outfit in Winter

It was 77° F today so I decided to dress on the springy side.  I had a denim jacket, but I didn't need it.  I got some unexpected free time without kids, so at the last minute I decided to go see 12 Years A Slave all by my lonesome.  Afterward I went to have alterations done on several pieces of clothing I have not been able to wear for far too long.

I'm in a roll seeing Oscar-nominated movies.  I've seen four so far.  I'm on a mission.  I want to see all nine that are up for Best Picture.

Next time I wear this top and these pants I'll try with orange flats.  It would be daring to wear orange flats with teal pants, but hey, it might just work.

Spring Outfit in Winter

HUDSON Nico Mid-Rise Super Skinny Jean, Soft Teal - Hautelook.com
Trouvé Textured Sheer Cap Sleeve Top, white - nordstrom.com
Tory Burch 'Louiisa' Top Handle Satchel, Tan - nordstrom.com
Cole Haan 'Air Carma' OT pump, Sandalwood - zappos.com
Tinley Road Tricolor Cabochon Necklace orange, mint, cream - piperlime.com
Vince Camuto Bangle, orange - Macy's

MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Lady Nini' Chain Link Bracelet Watch, 35mm, Rose Gold/ Tortoise - nordstrom.com

North Shore Oahu, Wait List No More, LOST tv, Nordstrom Honolulu

This is a long post but I have exciting things to share!

Early in December we went to Oahu for vacation.  We stayed in a vacation rental house on the North Shore.  This place is heaven.  So quiet, so beautiful, so perfectly warm.  It's never too hot, it's never cold.  It was just about a perfect 81°F every day.  The waves crashing just a few feet away woke me up at night, but I didn't care.  It was nice to be away from the crowds of Waikiki, but it was fun to drive down there for the stores and hotel restaurants.

Three amazingly awesome things happened on this trip: 

1.  One afternoon while we were relaxing out on the chaise lounge and hammock, I received a call from our charter school.  My 4th grade son was number five on the waiting list, and they finally got to his number.  My 2nd grade son got in as well due to Sibling Priority.  There happened to be no one else on that Sibling Priority List so he got to by-pass that list!  Both boys are in full-time now.  No more part-time homeschooling!  No more begging my friends and family to wear teal on lottery days.  No more lotteries. 

2.  LOST was my favorite tv show.  The filming took place mostly on the North Shore of Oahu, and we were literally around the corner from many of these filming spots.  I had fun doing a little self-tour.

LOST plane crash site at Mokule'ia Beach Park, Waialua, only 5 miles away from our vacation rental.

At the LOST plane crash site:

I have a few more LOST filming site photos, but I'll only bore you with the one!

3.  I usually look forward to the Nordstrom Fashion Rewards private parties the first week of December at home.  Since I was not home during this week, I found out that the Honolulu store was having their party on a night we were going to be in Hawaii!  My husband and I went.  It was so fun to visit a Nordstrom in Hawaii.  I bought my much-needed flip-flops, or "slippers" as Hawaii residents call them. My salesperson and I with my two new pairs of "slippers" at the party:

This photo below is the only one I have of my entire outfit.  The lighting and focus isn't very good, but hey, at least you can see my shoes!  After the Nordstrom party we headed to Waikiki to my favorite patio for cocktails at the Royal Hawaiian.

Hawaii Outfits:

On the chaise lounge chair and LOST plane crash site:

Plumeria Sun Pareo dress, teal/black - Global Creations & Interiors, Haleiwa, HI
Tory Burch 'Thin Flip Flop', Tiger Lily - Nordstrom, Honolulu at Ala Moana Center

Nordstrom Customer Rewards Party:
Vince Camuto Three-Quarter-Sleeve Peasant Blouse, Cobalt Blue - Macy's

Nordstrom 'Lady Lux' Floral Stone Statement Necklace, Fanfare/ Hematite - Nordstrom

Vince Camuto 'Basics' Cuff Bracelet, Matte Black - Nordstrom

7 For All Mankind® 'The Slim Cigarette' Stretch Jeans, Black - 7forallmankind.com
Kenneth Cole NY 'High Polish' clutch, black patent - Nordstrom
kate spade 'licorice too' pump, Aluminum Specchio - piperlime.com

Paisley Blazer in Wine, Night & Day

This year for Thanksgiving we decided to go out for dinner, and this is what I wore.

I don't think could love a blazer as much as I love this one.  I wanted to try wearing it for daytime, and this is how I styled it for my day of Saturday errands.  I think I'll be wearing this one quite a bit this season and beyond.  Next time I'll try with boots either in black or cognac.

Paisley Blazer in Wine, Night & Day

Max & Mia Single Button Paisley Jacket, Wine - nordstrom.com (Nordstrom.com made an error and listed the brand as Matty M)
Trouvé Double Scoop Linen-Blend Tee, white -nordstrom.com
7 For All Mankind® 'The Slim Cigarette' Stretch Jeans, Rinse - nordstrom.com
Lauren Ralph Lauren Croc Embossed Reversible Belt, Black Croc/Red Patent - nordstrom.com

MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Katie' Pendant Necklace, Gold - Bloomingdale's (purchased with Friends & Family Discount and Happy Returns card!)

Natasha Couture 'Barrie' Bangles (Nordstrom Exclusive), Silver - nordstrom.com

Daytime accesories:

Tory Burch 'Louiisa' Top Handle Satchel, Tan - nordstrom.com

Tory Burch Reva Metallic Flats, Pyrite - shopbop.com

Nadri Small Pavé Ball Earrings, Black Diamond - nordstrom.com (no longer available in black diamond, but can be seen here)

Evening accessories:

Sorrelli 'Rare Jewels' black/red/hematite stones earrings - Nordstrom Rack

LP Blue 'Kyle Arrow' Clutch, Black - nordstrom.com

kate spade new york 'licorice too' pump, Black Patent - nordstrom.com 

*A note about these pumps: the pointiness intimidated me and I thought they might be squishy tight against my toes, but these are the most comfortable heels I've ever worn.  They are even better than the Cole Haan pumps I've been pushing the last several years, and they are at the same price point. Depending on the style and material, the Cole Haan hurt my feet after awhile, and these kate spades don't hurt one single bit.  I am finding kate spade shoes to be very consistent in sizing even with flats.  Lucky for me I bought thse black and the nude with a price match to Bloomingdale's Friends & Family discount.  I found a pair in sliver and in purple suede on clearance with additional promo code and Old Navy/Gap rewards on piperlime.  Can't wait to wear them.

Charlie's Angels for Halloween 2013

I guess I'm one holiday behind.  This year for Halloween I dressed as "Sabrina Duncan" from the original TV series "Charlie's Angels."

I was hoping to recreate this look:

My version of "Sabrina Duncan" - Everything for the costume is vintage from Ebay and Etsy except for the belt and necklace.

Don't freak, it's not real.  It's a toy .38 revolver my husband found on Amazon.  It came with two for $4.99.

I remember from the mid to late 70s my mom wore this shade of brown nail polish and lipstick.

Sabrina wouldn't have carried this type of purse as she carried simpler clutches.  But this one I just had to get because of my fond memory of this type of purse.  This handmade leather saddlebag from Mexico is just how I remember my mom's and sisters' saddlebags.  I remember we all went down to Tijuana to get them - I think it was 1977.  I was too young for a purse, so I got a marrionette instead.  I swear this purse is exactly like the ones they bought and used for years.  I also remember getting those cute little leather flip-flop key rings made of this same leather.  Like this one:  Mexico Keychain Keyring Leather MINI SANDAL

My friend R dressed as "Kelly Garrett," my friend L dressed as "Jill Munroe," and R's husband D dressed as "John Bosley."  Unfortunately, we didn't have a "Charlie"!  Here's the gang of the Original Season 1 Charlie's Angels!  Clockwise from the top:  Bosley, Sabrina, Kelly, Jill:

I had the image of "Sabrina" made into a photo button I am wearing above so people would know who I was trying to be for Halloween.  On Ebay I found "Charlie's Angels" vintage buttons for the group to wear as well.  It was fun!

Colorblocking Greens

I had some styling help again recently in hopes to accessorize a two-toned forest green sweater.  I loved the color but didn't know how to make the sweater more interesting.  The grey trim around the neckline sort of threw me.  I sent a link to the sweater to a nordstrom.com live help agent, and she said she knew just the scarf to add.  Since the sweater has two shades of forest green the colorblocking of the scarf with the lighter shade of green plus the navy and grey - it seems to work.  I wasn't sure what to do about the handbag, so I tried with both tan and black.  I think the tan works better, even though there is no other tan or brown in my outfit.  When looking at the photo, I notice the gold stitching of my jeans brings out the tan in the bag.  Or is it vice-versa?

Colorblocking Greens

Halogen® Crewneck Sweater, Green/Greenbug- nordstrom.com

Nordstrom 'Widgets' Cashmere & Silk Scarf, Green/Grey - nordstrom.com

Argento Vivo Medium Hammered Hoop Earrings, Silver - nordstrom.com

7 For All Mankind® 'The Slim Cigarette' Stretch Jeans, Rinse - nordstrom.com

Tory Burch 'Reva', Metallic Silver - Nordstrom

Tory Burch 'Louiisa' Top Handle Satchel, Tan - nordstrom.com

Cole Haan 'Village Small' leather handbag, black (can't find link or photo) - Nordstrom

High Tea

Thursday I saw my dear friend beverlylikehills and got inspired to update my blog.  I have four outfits to post. I better get busy!  This outfit I wore to a High Tea two weeks ago.

I've been wanting to stay away from sheath and bodycon type dresses.  You get the slightest pooch in your belly and the dress looks horrible.  I'm trying fit and flare dresses now so I can eat!

To style this dress, I received a little help.

The necklace.  I actually liked the "Complete The Look" suggestion for a necklace on the item page for the dress, so I went with this "automatic" suggestion.  I never would have figured out on my own that the row of spikes on the necklace mimic the rows of dots on the dress.

The shoes.  The "Complete The Look" suggestion for shoes are what the model is wearing, Manolo Blahnik pointy pumps.  Wish I could, but I'm not sure I'll ever have Manolo Blahnik in my closet.  I'm lucky I found a pair that looks pretty much identical in shape and color, that are at a much more reasonable price point.

The clutch.  I had no idea really what handbag to carry.  My mission was to make this nighttime party dress look appropriate for daytime.  I had no clue how to do this.  I went in to the store to get a salesperson's help.  She was amazing.  She gave me advice that any pastel would work since pastels scream daytime.  I love this pastel mint clutch.  She also suggested my lip color to be a rosy pink to keep things looking daytime.

The earrings.  I had no idea what style or how big or small to go to make this outfit look daytime-ish. I had an amazing salesperson in the Fashion Jewelry department.  I showed her a photos of the dress, shoes, and necklace on my phone and my new clutch in person, and she knew just what to choose: medium hammered hoops in silver.  She also suggested I curl my hair in these loose waves.  I've already gone back to this salesperson to style another outfit.  She is amazing!

The bracelets.  Had already.

The ring.  A wonderful gift from beverlylikehills.

 Definitely click on the dress link to get a better view of the keyhole back.

High Tea

Taylor Dresses Polka Dot Stripe Fit & Flare Dress, black/silver - nordstrom.com
Vince Camuto 'Summer Metals' Collar Necklace, silver - nordstrom.com
Argento Vivo Medium Hammered Hoop Earrings, silver - nordstrom.com
Halogen® Halogen Lizard Embossed Patent Leather Flap Clutch, Seafoam Lizard - nordstrom.com
Natasha Couture 'Barrie' Bangles (Nordstrom Exclusive), Silver - nordstrom.com
Temple St. Claire for Target fashion ring, blue - gift from beverlylikehills
kate spade new york 'licorice too' pump, Powder Patent - nordstrom.com